Design Lead

Company Description

Building Better. MODUS Structures Inc. is an experienced off-site design, manufacturing, and construction company, based in Crossfield, Alberta. Established in 2004, MODUS has successfully provided innovative and cost-effective building solutions to the educational, commercial, residential, industrial, and institutional sectors. Operating two manufacturing facilities totaling 200,000 sq. ft. of insulated and heated workspace, the MODUS team works to design, manufacture, and deliver building projects faster than traditional site-built methods.

Role Description

Reporting to the Design Manager, the Design Lead plays a pivotal role in bridging multidisciplinary design, manufacturing systems, and construction execution. The Design Lead will be responsible for overseeing the design process from concept through production, ensuring that modular solutions are aesthetically compelling, technically feasible, code-compliant, coordinated, and manufacturing-efficient.

The role contributes as an integral member of the Design team, coordinates internal and external stakeholders, and supports the timely delivery of complete and accurate design, specifications, shop drawing, and IFM (Issued for Manufacturing) packages for procurement, off-site production, and on-site assembly.

Responsibilities:

Design Leadership & Coordination

• Lead the design development process across a diverse portfolio of modular projects, including residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments.
• Lead design coordination and collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, engineers, drafters, BIM specialists, and project managers.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, procurement, and site teams to align design decisions with production requirements, constructability, material availability, and on-site assembly.
• Lead the review and coordination of design documentation, specifications, and shop drawings, ensuring consistency with design intent, modular standards, production requirements, and applicable regulations.

Integration with Manufacturing

• Implement design standards that support DfMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly).
• Adapt design concepts into modular-friendly solutions while maintaining design intent and developing repeatable, scalable details.
• Coordinate with manufacturing engineers and conduct occasional visits to the production facility to confirm that designs are optimized for factory assembly, transport logistics, and alignment with the design intent.

Products, Specifications & Technical Coordination

• Prepare and coordinate material selections, including acceptable alternatives, in accordance with the company’s master construction specifications.
• Review product data, supplier catalogues, shop drawings, appliances, and equipment for alignment with design intent, code, procurement, and production requirements.
• Coordinate with Procurement, vendors, suppliers, subcontractors, and consultants regarding products, substitutions, material availability, and technical requirements.
• Support the preparation and consolidation of complete IFM packages, incorporating approved shop drawings, RFIs, changes, and production requirements.

Construction Interface

• Support site-specific design adaptations and ensure seamless integration of modules on-site.
• Collaborate with construction teams to resolve clashes or unforeseen challenges arising during installation.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in client meetings to understand needs, communicate design vision, and manage expectations.
• Present concepts, design iterations, and technical solutions to internal and external stakeholders.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure all designs meet applicable building codes, zoning regulations, sustainability goals, and quality standards.
• Drive the use of BIM and digital tools to ensure coordination, clash detection, and construction planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or technology diploma in Architecture, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in architectural engineering or modular design, including at least 3 years in a project team lead role.
• Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and 3D modelling tools; familiarity with BIM workflows is essential.
• Experience with construction specifications, product selection, acceptable material alternatives, and shop drawing review.
• Experience preparing or coordinating IFC, IFM, fabrication, or production-ready drawing packages.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Preferred Attributes:

• Experience working in vertically integrated design-build environments.
• Exposure to sustainability certifications (LEED, Passive House, Net Zero) is advantageous.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative design process with evolving priorities.
• Strong understanding of modular construction principles, off-site manufacturing, and prefabrication methods.
• Knowledge of DfMA, Lean manufacturing principles, and construction sequencing.

Why Join Modus?

Join a team that is transforming the construction industry through innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to Building Better. At MODUS, we combine technology, skilled trades, and a lean culture to deliver projects that exceed client expectations and support sustainable growth across sectors.

We thank everyone for their application; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.